In partnership with
Overview
As winter descends on the Southern Hemisphere, many are preparing to rug up, stay home and get through the cold snap one indoor activity at a time.
Others? They're booking a getaway somewhere sunnier. And no, we don't mean Europe. While sipping negronis and snapping breadsticks in a piazza sounds heavenly, when you're looking for family holidays, it may be more realistic to book something closer to home.
Enter Perth. With mild winter temperatures, outdoor adventures for all ages, kid-friendly dining, and hotels designed to keep little explorers happy, the West Coast capital might just be the perfect winter family escape.
Marriott Bonvoy is currently offering 10 percent off* stays at their Perth hotels now until Tuesday, June 30, making Perth an easy choice for school holidays or long weekends — especially with kids under 12 eating for free**. Members also earn points with every stay, which can be redeemed for future trips, upgrades or extra perks, meaning this getaway can help fund next year's. Here's how to plan a family-friendly trip to Perth this winter.
Start With The Outdoors
Winter might not scream 'head outside', but if you have a family who loves to run off some steam and is looking to get away from screens and gadgets, Perth could be a great choice. It offers plenty of sunny, crisp winter days as Perth is the sunniest Australian capital city. With an average temperature between 8 and 19 degrees, simply throw on a jumper and get exploring.
Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a great winter school holiday adventure. With its turquoise water and famous quokkas, you can hire bikes or take a picnic for a temperate beach day, complete with a cheeky winter dip (we know the kids swim in any weather).
Spots like the famous Cottesloe Beach are worth visiting for a brisk coastal walk, fish and chips and golden hour sunsets that will make the perfect family photo moment.
In the heart of the city is Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where the kids can run in open, green space, enjoy the playgrounds and take in the views of the Swan River. Perth's lifestyle offers plenty of outdoor activities, so you and the family can get some fresh air and sunshine.
The Ritz-Carlton, Perth
Get Your Culture Fix
Perth has a range of cultural experiences that suit all ages and family members. The Perth Cultural Centre is a great place to start, as it offers a number of cultural institutions right at your fingertips. The WA Museum Boola Bardip is the city's premier museum, educating visitors on the state's history and culture. It features interactive exhibitions and kid-focused activities, including a storytime for inquisitive kids and a dinosaur hunt through the museum.
Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts urges people of all ages to get creative, making it perfect for switching off. There are school-holiday programs for budding artists and free exhibitions for parents to wander. In West Perth, Scitech features science exhibitions and workshops to spark curiosity, while Matagarup Perth Mini Golf is a great option for kids with energy to burn.
Garum, The Westin Perth
Experience Perth's Dining Scene
Western Australia is known for its incredible wine and produce, so booking in a few dining experiences has to be on the agenda. At Hearth Restaurant inside The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, the focus is on celebrating local flavours from WA's best producers, cooked over an open fire. Hearth offers an elegant setting, yet its warm ambience makes it the perfect dining choice for a memorable family holiday.
450 Pizza, Aloft Perth
Inside The Westin hotel sits Garum, an award-winning Roman Osteria. The restaurant is a collaboration between The Westin Perth and acclaimed Chef, Guy Grossi, showcasing the best in WA's food and wine via ancient Roman cooking techniques. If you're looking for something a bit simpler for an easy family meal out, 450 Pizza in Aloft Perth serves authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas. Featuring hand-stretched dough and traditional Italian flavours, you can choose to sit in or take away for a family movie night in your hotel room.
Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch
Where To Stay
Where you stay can make or break a family trip, especially with kids. Perth's Marriott Bonvoy hotels each offer something slightly different depending on your holiday goals. For a more elevated stay, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth offers the city's gold standard in luxury. Sitting right on the waterfront at Elizabeth Quay, its rooms look out over the Swan River, while the infinity pool and spa help you to slow things down between outings. The hotel also offers Ritz Kids programming, so kids can stay entertained while the parents relax in style.
In the heart of the CBD, The Westin Perth is designed around balance and wellbeing. Spacious, light-filled rooms make it easy to unwind, while the rooftop pool is a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and the Bodhi Spa lets grown-ups unwind. There's even a Run Concierge for those who like to explore the city on foot. It's a calm, considered base for exploring the city at your own pace.
Four Points by Sheraton Perth
Aloft Perth is playful, modern, and conveniently close to the airport and other nearby attractions, including Optus Stadium. This makes it the perfect base if you're chasing a game. The hotel has plenty to keep the family entertained, and the outdoor pool and social spaces encourage kids to burn off energy. Designed for comfort and its bold design, Aloft Perth offers a fun urban getaway to help you recoup after a full day of activities.
If your ideal family trip includes a mix of city time and adventure beyond the CBD, Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch is a smart pick. Modern, stylish rooms keep everyone comfortable, and its proximity to Fremantle and Adventure World means excursions don't require long drives. It's easy to combine downtime and discovery here.
Finally, for a central, no-fuss option, Four Points by Sheraton Perth puts you right in the middle of the action. It's positioned opposite RAC Arena, making it an ideal option if your winter break includes a concert or event, while still keeping you close to shops, cafes and cultural spots. Its rooms are functional yet stylish, making it a no-brainer accommodation option for a family trip. Plus, it features a kids' Games Room with a PlayStation, foosball table, board games and more.
Winter holidays don't have to mean expensive ski fields, running away to a Euro summer, or resigning yourself to the couch for three months. With a little planning, you and the family can jet off to the West Coast and enjoy a milder Perth winter that's packed with memory-making.
*T&Cs apply. To save 10 percent on stays in Perth from now until June 30 2026. For more details, visit Stay With Marriott.
** T&Cs apply. Kids Eat Free Under 12.
Image Credit: Supplied